THE GARDEN. WORK FOR THE WEEK.

Otago Witness, Issue 1640, 28 April 1883, Page 7

THE GARDEN. WORK FOR THE WEEK.

Kitchen Garden.— We repeat our injunction given a fortnight since to keep the garden clean from end to end. Falling leaves and decaying vegetable matter are everywhere prevailing features in our gardens at this season, and if allowed to accumulate have not only an unsightly appearance, but the evaporations from them poison the atmosphere and assist in the breeding of fevers and miasma. Therefore it is important that they should be regularly collected and deposited in a heap for use hereafter as fertilising material. Whenever the weather will permit, dig up all ground which will be required in spring. If potatoes are not yet out of the ground, do not delay lifting, or they will be sprouting, and thus become useleas. In many gardens the ground is perhaps rather wet for lifting the tubers satisfactorily, as they should be dug when the ground is not so soddened as it has become after recent rains, but it is better not to delay lifting. The planting of winter greens may still be gone on with ; there is, of course, some risk that the labour may be thrown away, as in the event of the winter being severe they would in all probability be killed. Fortunately, however, our winters are rarely Very severe, and the chances are all in favour of their seasonable progress for spring use. Rhubarb roots should be lifted, and laid in a dry spot in the garden ; a slight covering of straw or litter should be put over them in frosty weather, but unless frosts prevail they can bo exposed to the weather with benefit to the roots.

Flowku Gakden.— Where not yet attended to, tie up chrysanthemums, so that they may not suffer damage from high winds. This'necessary operation is frequently neglected, with the result that branches are broken off and the symmetry of the plants spoiled. Prune, and, where required, transplant roses, giving a good mulching of well-rotted manure. Plants remaining in their old positions should also receive a good mulching, which will be of much benefit to them. Most people have their flower gardens put thoroughly in order about this time, and the result is an appearance of neatness during the winter months which rewards

them for their pains. Trees and shrubs can now be transplanted with every safety, and the pruning of shrubs should be attended to. Where there is a moderate amount of space available for shrub planting, healthy and shapely plants of laurustinuc, escallonia macrautha, berbsrris, and wygelia rosea should be put in. The first-named is a wonderful bloomer, and the splendid foliage of the escallonia alone makes it worthy of free use in our grounds, even when its bright flowers are out of season, which it way be remarked is but for a short time during the year. Oianothus azurea is also a shrub particularly worthy of cultivation. Like the escallonia, its foliage is always bright and attractive, and its beautiful azure blue flowers are deservedly esteemed. Its proper place is perhaps as a. covering for an unsightly wall or other place that requires to be hidden from view, for which purpose it is praticularly well adapted owing to its rapidity of growth. Continue the planting of hardy bulbs.

Gkeenhouse.— -Remove all dead leaves from the plants, and keep up a free circulation of air. Where artificial heating is not available, it is necessary to be rather sparing with water with plants of the geranium class. If water is lavishly used, damp is engendered to the detriment of the plants.